Linden, NJ Mayor Launches Opioid Eradication Initiative With “Safe Haven” Kickoff

MAYOR ARMSTEAD LAUNCHES LINDEN OPIOID ERADICATION INITIATIVE AND “SAFE HAVEN” KICKOFF

Editor’s note: Readers interested in learning about the opioid crisis, particularly from the perspective of policy creating the crisis with prohibition of the safer, or at least regulated, prescriptions, which drove those who were already addicted to the medication Purdue Pharma said wasn’t addictive despite their knowledge that it was (this led to the settlement we’ve previously reported on) to street heroin and the much more dangerous fentanyl. Then, to make matters worse, a drug company executive became a policy maker in one of the presidential cabinets, at which point laws regarding Medicaid reimbursement and insurance for addiction became dependent and reliant on two things: continuous supply of addicted persons and only methadone as an accepted ‘treatment’ for addiction (this is an opioid medicine that controls cravings but doesn’t diminish the addiction in any way and may make it stronger  – see our book review for Dopesick and our review of Shuffle, which does a great job of distilling the real issue at hand in controlling heroin.) The most ineffective treatment involves placing addicted persons in an unstructured environment where there is easy access to their substances, which leads a huge proportion to relapse, and there are many overdose deaths.  This process takes them through a cycle of recovery then relapse, again and again, while sometimes rewarding short lived sobriety with money – which addicts then spend on their drugs. Rehab centers that provide care and concern, such as some in New Jersey and in other states, are more effective at breaking the cycle. But once the person has no health insurance, their value to the system and most programs is gone- whether they are better or not. 

LINDEN, NEW JERSEY —  Mayor Derek Armstead announced the launch of the Linden Opioid Eradication and Abatement Initiative, a proactive, citywide effort to address substance use, alcohol misuse, and mental health challenges through education, prevention, and localized support.

To launch the initiative, Mayor Armstead invited residents, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and local advocates to the Safe Haven Community Kickoff on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Linden, located at 929 Dill Avenue. This free, collaborative forum will connect attendees with life-saving resources and build vital community partnerships.

“Addressing the opioid crisis and mental health challenges requires a compassionate and aggressive community response,” said Mayor Armstead. “This initiative is about saving lives, erasing the stigma of addiction, and ensuring every resident has access to the resources they need to heal. I urge our neighbors and leaders to join us at the Safe Haven Kickoff so we can build a healthier, safer Linden together.”

The new initiative builds upon the city’s established Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and reinforces Linden’s official “Stigma-Free” designation, established by city resolution in Spring 2026. This designation ensures those facing mental health and substance use disorders can seek help with dignity and without judgment. In alignment with this mission, Linden proudly champions the green ribbon—the international symbol for mental health awareness—to show visible support for individuals in recovery.

The Safe Haven Community Kickoff was free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 908-474-8493 or visit the official City of Linden website.

Banner Image: Linden opening of Alkallah Park. Image Credit – City of Linden